Paulino enjoys success in simulated game

KANSAS CITY -- Royals right-hander Felipe Paulino threw a two-inning simulated game on Thursday as he continues to work through shoulder soreness.

Paulino, who has yet to make his return from last season's Tommy John surgery, made one rehabilitation start with Double-A Northwest Arkansas before coming to Kansas City to meet with team doctors about back stiffness.

"He threw the ball well," manager Ned Yost said. "Good zip on his fastball, good breaking ball. Command was a little inconsistent like you would expect it to be, but he threw the ball well."

Yost said the club will see how Paulino's feeling on Friday, but the tentative plan would send him to Arizona on Monday for a three-inning simulated game and then to Northwest Arkansas for rehab work.

Kathleen Gier is an associate reporter for MLB.com. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs.